Just outside Labasa lies a historical remnant from Fiji’s colonial era. An old building, once a thriving supermarket, now stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural heritage of colonial Fiji. Located in Vulovi, directly across from All-Saints Secondary School, this structure provides a glimpse into the past.
To appreciate the significance of this building, one must first examine Fiji’s colonial history. The British established their foothold in Fiji in the late 19th century, drastically altering the island’s political, social, and economic dynamics. Following Fiji’s designation as a British colony in 1874, the colonial government focused on constructing essential infrastructure to manage and foster the islands’ development. This effort included government facilities, communication systems, and trade centers.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, towns like Labasa began to flourish, emerging as pivotal regional centers. Personal anecdotes shared by locals reflect a community deeply connected to its history. The growth of Labasa was closely linked to the establishment of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company Mill, which later became the Fiji Sugar Corporation, with the Labasa Sugar Mill commencing operations in 1894.
Established in Sydney in 1855, the Colonial Sugar Refining Company became a significant player in both the Australian and Fijian sugar industries, eventually evolving into one of the world’s foremost sugar producers. Each sugar mill supported the formation of company towns and their corresponding railway systems. Today, four of the six mills are managed by FSC, with three still operational, preserving much of the original infrastructure and practices.
Prominent businessman Paul Jaduram emphasized the role the Colonial Sugar Refining Company played in shaping Fiji. He recounted how European settlers, drawn by trade and resources, initiated the establishment of essential services in Vulovi, including the Morris Hedstrom store tailored for the European community.
Jaduram noted a segregated past where local individuals were initially excluded from shops. Subsequently, their community leaders, including Jaduram’s grandfather, responded by founding a general merchant store that catered to all races, marking a significant shift in the local business landscape.
As Labasa Town continued to evolve, it witnessed various developments, including the construction of the Majestic Theatre, which preceded the modern R.B Patel Supermarket. Established in 1922, Labasa Town featured early infrastructures such as unpaved roads and basic utility services, showcasing a different era of community life.
Local merchants employed innovative tactics to serve their community, using boats to transport goods under challenging conditions. Over time, successive generations, including Jaduram’s father, transformed early businesses into modern enterprises, greatly contributing to Labasa’s urbanization.
Today, Labasa stands as the largest town in Vanua Levu, with a population of 49,369 recorded in the 2017 census. As it expands, new commercial spaces like Damodar City continue to emerge, highlighting the town’s ongoing evolution.
For those interested in the rich history of Labasa, further insights will be featured by The Fiji Times in upcoming articles.